Fort Worth has multiple DPS locations to renew, replace, or get a new driver's license

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) runs driver's license offices throughout Fort Worth. You do not have to go to a specific location — any DPS office in the city can handle renewals, replacements, duplicates, and new licenses. The main difference between locations is their hours and how busy they are on any given day.

Fort Worth's largest DPS office is at 1515 East Pioneer Parkway, near the intersection with North Freeway. This location handles the highest volume and typically has the longest wait times. Smaller satellite offices exist in other parts of the city and often move faster, though their hours are more limited.

Before you go to any location, bring the documents DPS requires for your specific transaction. A renewal needs your current license and proof of residency. A replacement for a lost or stolen license needs an ID (passport, birth certificate, or military ID) and proof of residency. A new license for someone who has never held one in Texas requires a birth certificate, Social Security card, and proof of residency. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address.

Key Takeaways

  • The main DPS office in Fort Worth is at 1515 East Pioneer Parkway, but smaller locations throughout the city often have shorter waits.
  • Any DPS office in Fort Worth can process renewals, replacements, and new licenses — you do not have to use a specific one.
  • Bring your current license and proof of residency for a renewal, or an ID and proof of residency for a replacement or new license.
  • DPS offices do not take appointments, so arrival time and day of the week affect your wait.
  • You can renew your license online through the Texas DPS website if you meet certain conditions, which avoids a trip to the office entirely.

What documents you need for each type of transaction

The documents required depend on whether you are renewing an existing license, replacing a lost one, or getting a license for the first time in Texas.

For a renewal: Bring your current Texas driver's license and one document showing your current address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. If your address has changed since your last license, you will need proof of your new address. If your name has changed, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change.

For a replacement (lost, stolen, or damaged): Bring a government-issued ID (passport, military ID, or birth certificate) and proof of your current address. You will also need to pay a replacement fee, which is separate from the license fee. If your license was stolen, you can report it to DPS at the same time you explore for the replacement.

For a new license: Bring your birth certificate, Social Security card, and proof of your current address. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or visa. You will also need to pass a vision test and written test at the office.

DPS office locations and hours in Fort Worth

The main DPS office is at 1515 East Pioneer Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76102. This location is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. It is closed on Sundays and state holidays. This office handles the most transactions and typically has the longest wait times, especially on Fridays and Saturdays.

Smaller DPS offices operate in other parts of Fort Worth, but their hours vary and some operate only certain days of the week. The best way to find a satellite location near you is to visit the Texas DPS website and use their office locator tool. You can search by zip code or address and see hours, phone numbers, and services offered at each location.

Wait times are longest in the morning (8 a.m. to 10 a.m.) and on Fridays and Saturdays. Mid-week afternoons (Tuesday through Thursday, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.) tend to be slower. However, this varies by location and season, so there is no may provide.

How to renew your license online instead of visiting an office

Texas allows online renewal for some drivers, which means you can skip the office visit entirely. You can renew online if your license is not suspended or revoked, you are a Texas resident, your license is not expired by more than two years, and you do not need to change your name, address, or other information on the license itself.

To renew online, go to the Texas DPS website and select the online renewal option. You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The process takes about 10 minutes. Your new license will be mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days.

Online renewal costs the same as in-person renewal. If you need to change your address, name, or other information, or if your license has been expired for more than two years, you must go to a DPS office in person.

What to expect when you arrive at a DPS office

When you walk into a DPS office, you will take a number from a ticket machine near the entrance. The office displays wait times on a screen, though these are estimates and can change. You will wait until your number is called, then go to the window to submit your documents and complete your transaction.

The DPS employee will check your documents, take your photo and signature, and run a background check. If everything is in order, you will pay the fee and receive a receipt. Your new license will be mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days. If you need a license the same day, you can request a temporary paper license at the window, though not all offices issue them.

The entire process at the window usually takes 5 to 15 minutes. The wait before your number is called is what takes the most time. Bring all required documents in one trip — if you are missing something, you will have to leave and come back.

Fees for driver's license transactions in Texas

The cost of a driver's license depends on the type of transaction and how long you want the license to be valid. A standard five-year renewal costs $25. An eight-year renewal costs $40. A replacement for a lost or stolen license costs $11 in addition to the license fee. A new license for someone who has never held one in Texas costs $25 for a five-year license or $40 for an eight-year license.

DPS offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some locations may have ATMs on-site if you need cash. Fees are set by the state and do not vary between locations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an appointment to go to a DPS office in Fort Worth?

No. DPS offices in Fort Worth do not take appointments. You arrive, take a number, and wait. Some offices have a "come back later" option if the wait is very long, which lets you leave and return at a specific time instead of waiting in the office.

Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than two years?

Yes, but you must go to a DPS office in person. Online renewal is only for licenses expired two years or less. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and any documents showing name or address changes.

What if I lost my Social Security card and cannot bring it for a new license?

You can bring other documents instead, such as a W-2 form, tax return, or Social Security statement. The DPS employee can tell you which documents they will accept. Call the office ahead of time if you want to confirm before you go.

How long does it take to get a new license in the mail?

Your new license is mailed within 7 to 10 business days after your transaction. This does not include weekends or state holidays. If you need to drive before it arrives, ask the DPS employee for a temporary paper license.

Can I change my address at a DPS office without renewing my license?

Yes. You can update your address on your current license without renewing it. Bring your license and proof of your new address. There is no fee for an address change alone.